‘I’ll have the last laugh next season’ –Warnock

CARDIFF City boss Neil Warnock has issued his warning to opposition managers as he plots the last laugh next year.

Having dragged Cardiff 10 points clear of the Championship’s relegation zone, the Yorkshireman has agreed to stay for next season and has made no secret of desire for a real crack at the other end of the table.

But the Bluebirds are currently playing something of a waiting game as they look to see out the remainder of the current campaign before strengthening to bolster their promotion bid.

They took the lead in each of their last three league outings against Queens Park Rangers, Blackburn and Birmingham, but picked up only two points from those matches.

Though Warnock admits it may be being greedy, he knows that there’s been other games where the odd lapse has seen his side drop points, leading to a little bit of ‘if only’ from the seven-time promotion winner.

It’s meant he’s had to, in his own words, “bide my time and bite my tongue” – and it seems that’s included when he’s had to shake the hands of rival bosses following games.

But, while he accepts recent results have been frustrating, he’s adamant he’ll be smiling when it matters more next year.

“Quite frankly, we should’ve beaten QPR and we lost 2-1, let alone the two late goals against Blackburn and Birmingham,” Warnock said.

“We should have nine points rather than two from those games.

“But although I’m disappointed, I come away from those games thinking, ‘Have a smile you lot’ when they (opposition managers) shake my hand and we have a drink after the game, ‘But you wait for next season pal, I’ll be the one shaking your hand and smiling’.”

Warnock has transformed the fortunes of the club since replacing Paul Trollope as manager in October.

The club were in 23rd spot when Trollope was axed, but are now 10 places higher following a fine run of form under Warnock.

And the Cardiff boss believes he is the ideal man when it comes to managing clubs in England’s second tier.

“I’m quietly confident,” added the Cardiff manager in an interview with the BBC.

“We’ve got a really good group of lads. We’ve probably surprised ourselves a bit.

“Because of the confidence and the way we’ve played, we’re almost on a regular level now, far higher than when I came in.

“I’m in a unique situation for a manager, I’m not bothered about getting the sack, if I want another job I’ll get another job.

“I’m not being conceited. I don’t see that many good managers around if I’m honest.

“The Championship is not like any other league.

“It would be nice to have unlimited funds, but I don’t think it’s necessary.

“I don’t think money is the be-all and end-all.

“The chairman (Mehmet Dalman) and Vincent (Tan) are probably glad to hear me say things like that.”